{"id":11987,"date":"2025-05-26T08:15:12","date_gmt":"2025-05-26T00:15:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wembleygolf.com.au\/cms\/?p=11987"},"modified":"2025-05-26T08:15:13","modified_gmt":"2025-05-26T00:15:13","slug":"playing-the-long-game-winter-is-coming","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wembleygolf.com.au\/cms\/2025\/05\/playing-the-long-game-winter-is-coming\/","title":{"rendered":"Playing the Long Game – Winter is Coming!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
As I get ready to pack my suitcase and head to the northern hemisphere for some sun and tournaments on the Legends Tour, Perth is bracing itself for the winter months.
With the wind, rain and cooler temperatures winter golf is a whole different ball game. If you prepare, adapt and understand some truths, playing golf in the middle of winter as opposed to the middle of summer can be just as rewarding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are 2 areas that need to be considered when playing in winter:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1.\u00a0Game adjustments<\/span>\u00a0–<\/strong>\u00a0As far as I\u2019m concerned this is the area most overlooked by amateurs. The rain and colder air will not only affect how far\u00a0your\u00a0ball flies, but\u00a0also how your ball reacts\u00a0to the\u00a0wintry ground.\u00a0Added\u00a0layers of clothing\u00a0can\u00a0change\u00a0the speed and motion of your swing\u00a0which\u00a0means that\u00a0your game\u00a0needs some significant adjustments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To help you overcome this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Consider using more lofted clubs –<\/em> the ball will not roll out as much on soggy ground so consider using a hybrid as opposed to a long iron, or a 5 wood as opposed to a 3 wood. Launching the ball in the air will help the ball carry further.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Switch golf balls –<\/em> Not all golf balls are the same. They are designed to have different qualities. You may find a higher spinning ball helps the ball stay in the air longer which will help you carry the ball further. Or a harder compression ball will help the ball fly better in the wind. What\u2019s good for you in summer may not work in winter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Adjust your Driver- <\/em>The great thing about modern drivers is that you can easily adjust the loft of your driver. A little bit of extra loft can help you add spin and carry. No point using a driver in winter that keeps the ball rolling and running like it does in summer. A bit more loft will help to maintain some distance off the tee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Adjust your short game –<\/em> When the greens become soft and slow I tend to make adjustments to chipping and pitching. I find that on soft greens the first bounce is not as predictable as on firm greens. This affects how much my ball will roll out to the pin. To combat this, I will try to fly the ball further into the green with less roll.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Smooth out\u00a0your\u00a0putting stroke –<\/em>\u00a0If the rain continues during\u00a0a round\u00a0the greens will get slower and slower. I find increasing the length of your backswing can help the ball roll\u00a0better\u00a0and get the ball to the hole\u00a0more\u00a0consistently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Be mentally tough –\u00a0<\/em>Playing\u00a0in the cold, wind or rain (or all combined) is going to be tough for everyone.\u00a0So\u00a0expect to hit shots that are not perfect. You\u00a0have to\u00a0be patient, become less aggressive, play the percentages and grind out a score.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
2.\u00a0Preparation<\/span>\u00a0–<\/strong>\u00a0A prepared golfer will be a better winter golfer. Sounds simple. Apart\u00a0from\u00a0the\u00a0obvious;\u00a0umbrella and wet weather clothing,\u00a0there are a few\u00a0other\u00a0things that are a must in my bag when playing in adverse conditions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Extra towel – <\/em>Nothing worse than getting to the back 9 and your towel is just as wet as the ground. It\u2019s important to keep your grips and your hands dry so having a spare towel will help with this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Extra gloves – <\/em>No matter how hard you try to keep your glove dry it will be soaked by the time you hit the back nine. A spare glove is a must in wet conditions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Spare pair of socks, beanie and mittens –<\/em> The quickest way to lose heat is through your body\u2019s extremities. A beanie is not only a great way to keep yourself warm but it also means that water is not dripping from the peak of your cap when you are playing a shot. Likewise having dry socks to start the back nine is a great feeling. Warm hands help you to maintain feel \u2013 especially with your short game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bag cover –<\/em> A waterproof cover that covers the whole bag is a worthy investment. It will give your clubs and grips that added protection of staying dry for the entire round. It can also keep your sandwiches from getting soggy too!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So winter is coming. But if you take a little extra time to prepare for the cold, wind and rain with both your game and equipment, playing in the winter can be just as much fun.
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